Is ‘American Skin’ Based on a True Story?

Nate Parker‘s upcoming drama, American Skin, has been in the works for years, but the time has finally come for the movie’s wide release. The drama follows Lincoln Jefferson (Parker), a veteran working as a school janitor and trying to mend his relationship with his son in the wake of his divorce.

When Lincoln’s son Kijani (Tony Espinosa) is shot and killed by a white police officer at a traffic stop one night, the officer is acquitted and free to go, despite murdering the unarmed teen. Lincoln, enraged and saddened by the loss, decides to avenge his son’s death in an effort to give him the justice he deserves.

In a year marked by protests against police brutality, the film’s story feels all too familiar. Is American Skin based on a true story? Here’s what you need to know about the new drama.

IS AMERICAN SKIN BASED ON A TRUE STORY?

No, American Skin is not based on one single true story, although the movie borrows inspiration from real events and issues like police brutality. The film comes from Parker, who wrote the screenplay and was inspired by events in his own life. According to The Cinemaholic, Parker first got the idea for American Skin when his nephew asked him for advice on how to deal with the police if he’s ever approached by them.

Parker also drew inspiration from a 2014 trip to Ferguson, Missouri, after the death of Michael Brown, per Deadline. “The most tragic moment of this trip arrived when I stood downtown between two infuriated groups of citizens. From one side came yells of ‘Justice for Mike Brown’ and on the other ‘Support Our Police,'” he recalled. “It became even more clear to me, the disconnect in our collective understanding of citizenship, law enforcement, and our responsibility to preserve American Black lives. This trip and subsequent killings developed in me a fire that manifested itself into the makings of this film American Skin.”

Parker, who previously directed 2016’s Birth of a Nation, faced criticism over rape allegations and was later acquitted, but the controversy surrounding the director remained, and his latest film has been met with mixed reviews from critics.

WHO STARS IN AMERICAN SKIN?

The cast of American Skin includes Nate Parker as Lincoln Jefferson, Omari Hardwick as Omar Scott, Larry Sullivan as Clay Dwyer, Theo Rossi as Officer Dominic Reyes, Beau Knapp as Officer Mike Randall, Michael Warren as Melvin, Shane Paul McGhie as Jordin King, Milauna Jackson as Tayna Jefferson, and Sierra Capri as Kai.

AMERICAN SKIN RELEASE DATE: WHEN DOES AMERICAN SKIN PREMIERE?

American Skin was released digitally on Jan. 15 and is now available to rent and stream online.

HOW CAN I WATCH AMERICAN SKIN?

To watch American Skin, you have a few options. The movie is currently available to rent or purchase on  iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and FandangoNow, where it costs $6.99 to rent and $12.99 to buy. For more info, check out our guide on where to watch American Skin. 

Where to watch American Skin